What is the Zika virus?
How is the President working with local leaders to combat Zika?
How is Zika transmitted?
Where are people contracting Zika?
Who is at risk of being infected?
Why are there specific recommendations for pregnant women?
What can I do to prevent a Zika infection?
Should we be concerned about Zika in the United States?
What is the President doing to help combat and control the spread of the Zika virus?

What is the Zika virus?
How is the Zika virus transmitted?
What are the symptoms of Zika virus infection?
What are the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy?
How is Zika virus infection diagnosed?
What is the treatment for Zika virus infection?
Is there a vaccine or medication that prevents Zika virus infection?
How can Zika virus infection be prevented?

National Institutes of Health Document
Dr. John Armstrong Surgeon General and Secretary of Health State of Florida Document
Dr. Bill Moreau Managing Director for Sports Medicine United States Olympic Committee Document

U.S. Federal Agencies
U.S. Organizations
International Organizations
National Government (non-U.S.) Web Sites
Pregnancy and Zika Virus
Free Resources from Publishers for Medical Responders
Biomedical Journal Literature and Reports
Situation Reports
Genome, Sequences, and Virus Variation
Laboratory Detection and Diagnosis of Zika Virus
Clinical Trials
Research, Development and Funding
Surveillance and Control of Mosquito Vectors
Travel
Maps
Social Media
Multi-Language Resources
Health Resources for the Public

for Children & Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What Head Start or Child Care Programs Need to Know About Zika Virus
History of Medicine Division, National Library of Medicine
Global Health Events Historical archive of Web documents on Ebola and Zika Virus.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Zika virus infection
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization
Zika Virus Infection
Also available in Spanish.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Zika virus and complications
Zika virus disease
WHO Zika App
iOS version
Android version
International Society for Infectious Diseases
ProMed-mail in English
ProMed-mail in Portuguese, focusing on Latin America
ProMed-mail in Spanish, focusing on Latin America

How Zika spreads

Learn how Zika is transmitted >>Zika symptomsMany people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are

· Fever

· Rash

· Joint pain

· Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Other symptoms include:

· Muscle pain

· Headache

Symptoms can last for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.

Why Zika is risky for some people

Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. There have also been increased reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, in areas affected by Zika.

History of Zika

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Before 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized.

Q: What is Zika?

A:Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

Q: How do people get infected with Zika?

A:Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, a man with Zika can pass it to sex partners. We encourage people who have traveled to or live in places with Zika to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Q: What health problems can result from getting Zika?

A:Many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that last several days to a week. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, is also very likely triggered by Zika in a small number of cases.

Once someone has been infected with Zika, it’s very likely they’ll be protected from future infections. There is no evidence that past Zika infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.

Q: Should pregnant women travel to areas where Zika has been confirmed?

A:No. Pregnant women should not travel to any area with Zika. Travelers who go to places with outbreaks of Zika can be infected with Zika, and Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.

Q: If I am traveling outside the United States, should I be concerned about Zika?

A:Travelers who go to places with Zika can be infected with Zika, and CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to those areas. Many people will have mild or no symptoms. However, Zika can cause microcephaly and other severe birth defects. For this reason, pregnant women should not travel to any area with Zika, and women trying to get pregnant should talk to their doctors before traveling or before their male partners travel. It is especially important that women who wish to delay or avoid pregnancy consistently use the most effective method of birth control that they are able to use. Those traveling to areas with Zika should take steps during and after they travel to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Q: What can people do to prevent Zika?

A:The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

· Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

Zika can be spread by men to their sex partners. People whose male sex partners have traveled to or live in an area with Zika can prevent Zika by using condoms condoms correctly every time they have sex or by not having sex.

Q: What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease?

A:The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will have mild symptoms, which can last for several days to a week.

Q: How is Zika diagnosed?

A:To diagnose Zika, your doctor will ask you about recent travel and symptoms you may have, and collect blood or urine to test for Zika or similar viruses.

Q: Can someone who returned from a country or US territory with Zika get tested for the virus?

A:Zika virus testing is performed at CDC and some state and territorial health departments. See your doctor if you have Zika symptoms and have recentlyvisited an area with Zika. Your doctor may order tests to look for Zika or similar viruses like dengue and chikungunya.

Q:What should pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika do?

A: Pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika should talk to their doctor about their travel, even if they don’t feel sick. Pregnant women should see a doctor if they have any Zika symptoms during their trip or within 2 weeks after traveling. All pregnant women can protect themselves by avoiding travel to an area with Zika, preventing mosquito bites, and following recommended precautions against getting Zika through sex.

Advising travelers how to protect themselves while traveling in areas with Zika.

Emergency response

CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is home to hundreds of CDC staff working in collaboration with local, national, and international response partners to analyze, validate, and efficiently exchange information about the Zika outbreak.

The EOC is the command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to Zika, bringing together CDC scientists with expertise in arboviruses like Zika, reproductive health, birth defects, and developmental disabilities, and travel health. Their work includes: Developing laboratory tests to diagnose Zika.

· Monitoring and reporting cases of Zika, which will help improve our understanding of how and where Zika is spreading.

· Providing guidance to travelers and Americans living in areas with current outbreaks.

· Surveillance for the virus in the United States, including US territories.

· Supporting on the ground in areas with Zika.

· Conducting a study to evaluate the persistence of Zika virus in semen and urine among male residents of the United States.

Deployment of CDC staff

EOC has resources to rapidly transport diagnostic kits, samples and specimens, and personnel to areas with Zika. The EOC is serving as CDC’s command center for monitoring and coordinating the emergency response to Zika, including the deployment of CDC staff and the procurement and management of all equipment and supplies that CDC responders may need during deployment.

· On January 22, 2016, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to respond to outbreaks of Zika occurring in the Americas and increased reports of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome in areas affected by Zika. On February 8, 2016, CDC elevated its EOC activation to a Level 1, the highest level.

“Zika virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected
Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). People can also
get Zika through sex with an infected man, and the virus can also be passed
from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The most common symptoms of Zika
are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually
mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an
infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital,
and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize
they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can
cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal
brain defects. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected
from future infections.

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda.
In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of
Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Before 2007, at least 14
cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred
and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other
diseases, many cases may not have been recognized.

In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding
the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. On February 1, 2016, the World Health
Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International
Concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in many other countries and
territories. Zika virus will likely continue to spread to new areas.”

Through mosquito bites
From mother to child
Through sexual contact
Through blood transfusion
Through laboratory exposure

Risks

Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already
been infected with Zika virus can get it from mosquito bites. Once a person has been
infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

In May 2015, the World Health Organization reported the first local transmission of Zika virus
in the Western Hemisphere, with autochthonous (locally acquired) cases identified in Brazil.
As of January 15, 2016, local transmission had been identified in at least 14 countries or
territories in the Americas, including Puerto Rico (See Pan American Health Organization
[PAHO] link below for countries and territories in the Americas with Zika virus transmission).
Further spread to other countries in the region is likely.

Local transmission of Zika virus has not been documented in the continental United States.
However, Zika virus infections have been reported in travelers returning to the United States.
With the recent outbreaks in the Americas, the number of Zika virus disease cases among
travelers visiting or returning to the United States likely will increase. These imported cases
may result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the continental United States, meaning
these imported cases may result in human-to-mosquito-to-human spread of the virus.

Zika virus infection should be considered in patients with acute onset of fever, maculopapular
rash, arthralgia or conjunctivitis, who traveled to areas with ongoing transmission in the two
weeks prior to illness onset. Clinical disease usually is mild. However, during the current
outbreak, Zika virus infections have been confirmed in several infants with microcephaly and
in fetal losses in women infected during pregnancy. We do not yet understand the full spectrum
of outcomes that might be associated with infection during pregnancy, nor the factors that might
increase risk to the fetus. Additional studies are planned to learn more about the risks of Zika
virus infection during pregnancy.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to report suspected Zika virus disease cases to their state
health department to facilitate diagnosis and to mitigate the risk of local transmission. State
health departments are requested to report laboratory-confirmed cases to CDC. CDC is working
with states to expand Zika virus laboratory testing capacity, using existing RT-PCR protocols.

This CDC Health Advisory includes information and recommendations about Zika virus clinical
disease, diagnosis, and prevention, and provides travel guidance for pregnant women and women
who are trying to become pregnant. Until more is known and out of an abundance of caution,
pregnant women should consider postponing travel to any area where

Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to these areas should talk to
their doctors or other healthcare providers first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites
during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare providers
before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

If you’ve been thinking about traveling to warmer climates or have been catching
a few news stories, you may have heard about something called the Zika virus —
a disease spread primarily through mosquito bites.

Zika causes mild illness in some, however, we are closely tracking and responding
to recent outbreaks of this virus because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
issued reports that indicate Zika may be linked to serious birth defects in babies of
mothers who were infected with this virus while pregnant.

While this virus is not new, it is new to the Americas. The first case was reported in
Brazil just last spring. Since that time, it has spread through South and Central
America, and the Caribbean. No locally transmitted Zika cases from mosquitoes
have been reported in the continental U.S., but cases have been reported in travelers
returning from areas where Zika is present. As Zika continues to spread in our region,
the number of cases among travelers visiting or returning to the U.S. is likely to increase.

In addition to serving as part of the President’s national security team, I am also a mom.
I personally know how important it is to have all of the information you need to keep
yourself and your family healthy and safe. There is still much we don’t know about this
virus but we’re learning more every day. To help keep you up-to-date as we learn more,
we have all the latest updates you need in one place:

What is the Zika virus?
How is the President working with local leaders to combat Zika?
How is Zika transmitted?
Where are people contracting Zika?
Who is at risk of being infected?
Why are there specific recommendations for pregnant women?
What can I do to prevent a Zika infection?
Should we be concerned about Zika in the United States?
What is the President doing to help combat and control the spread of the Zika virus?

The majority of people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms. For those with
symptoms, Zika virus tends to cause a mild, short-lived (2 to 7 days) illness. Signs and
symptoms suggestive of Zika virus infection may include a combination of the following:

The symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue (caused by a related flavivirus) or
chikungunya (an alphavirus), which are often co-circulating in areas where Zika
virus is present. Laboratory testing is essential for the correct diagnosis.

Serious complications and deaths from Zika are not common. However, based on a
growing body of research there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of
microcephaly and other congenital anomalies (also referred to as congenital Zika
syndrome), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (World Health Organization, 14 April 2016).

What is the Zika virus?
How is the Zika virus transmitted?
What are the symptoms of Zika virus infection?
What are the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy?
How is Zika virus infection diagnosed?
What is the treatment for Zika virus infection?
Is there a vaccine or medication that prevents Zika virus infection?
How can Zika virus infection be prevented?

This page contains information for clinicians and public health practitioners about Zika virus.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Monitoring of Zika virus will occur on an ongoing basis with
updates to this website as important information comes to hand.
Check regularly for the latest information.

Zika virus infection is generally a non-severe febrile viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virus infection should be considered in people who have recently travelled overseas.

Scientific evidence particularly from outbreaks of Zika virus in Brazil and French Polynesia
show that a Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman can be transmitted to the fetus, and can
cause certain congenital abnormalities (including microcephaly). Further studies are required
to understand the degree of risk of an adverse outcome occurring and the factors that influence
this risk.

Summary of recommendations for clinicians and public health practitioners

Zika virus infection should be considered in patients with acute fever, rash, arthralgia or
conjunctivitis, who have travelled in the two weeks prior to onset of illness to areas with current
or recent local transmission of Zika virus; refer to the Department of Health webpage for the
current country list.

All travellers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites in order to prevent Zika virus infection
and other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

Pregnant women are advised to consider postponing travel to any area with current or recent
local Zika virus transmission

Pregnant women who do decide to travel to one of these areas are advised to consult with a doctor
first and strictly follow mosquito bite prevention measures during their trip.

Women trying to become pregnant are advised to consult with a doctor before travelling and
strictly follow mosquito bite prevention measures.

Women who have returned from a country with current or recent local Zika virus transmission
and who are pregnant are advised to consult a doctor and be evaluated, refer to Interim
recommendations for assessment of pregnant women returning from Zika virus-affected areas.

Men who have returned from a country with current or recent local Zika virus transmission and
have a partner who is pregnant or planning pregnancy are advised to consult a doctor to discuss
recommendations for preventing sexual transmission, refer to Interim recommendations for
reducing the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus.

Zika virus infection is notifiable in Australia as a flavivirus (unspecified) infection and should be
notified to state and territory health departments.

In North Queensland and parts of Central Queensland where suitable mosquito vectors are present,
clinicians should immediately report clinically suspected cases of Zika virus infection to local public
health units, as they do for suspected cases of dengue. Public health Authorities will take action to
mitigate the risk of local transmission.

Briefly, do you need statistical information about the zika virus,
I just added this month this government agency

Data and the Uses of Data FROM The National Institute

INFECTIOUS DISESES AND ALLERGIES :
STATISTICS :
DATA :
DEMOGRAPHICS :
COUNTRIES: UNITED STATES: GOVERNMENT:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE:
Search Results for Statistical Data and the Uses of Data
FROM The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease

“Domain” limits to PUBMED, SCIENCEDIRECT, JSTOR, NCJRS and so forth find
sources from those databases or discussion of the same from other sources.

Domain limits to GOV finds government sources,
not limited to the United States Federal Government

flint AND michigan AND lead AND water AND
(“National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease” OR NIAID) AND
(statistics OR statistical OR data OR demography OR demographics OR demographic)
AND SITE: GOV

Home – ASPR Blog – PHE Homehttp://www.phe.gov/…/default1.aspx
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness an…
Families in Flint, Michigan are experiencing a public health crisis resulting from …
water On January 19, President Obama designated the HHS as the lead ….
Visit challenge.gov and once on the main page, click on the Solutions tab on the left …..
Disease (NIAID) released a Funding Opportunity Announcement to establish …

CNN
Jan 21, 2016 – CUOMO: Outrage over the Flint water crisis is growing across the
country, but … Bill Ballenger is a former Michigan state senator and representative. …
country, children under age 6, with elevated lead levels in their blood right now. ….
knows, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, …
CDC director: What we’re doing about the Zika virus – CDC Blogs
blogs.cdc.gov/…/cdc-director-what-were-d…

*****************************************

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Feb 1, 2016 – To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: …
What is the government doing? …. Zika virus outbreak, we do not currently have
data on risk factors for severe Zika virus disease. We do …… We Must focus on the
victims in FLINT MICHIGAN and other cities in the US by helping them to …

******************************************

Returning to “Different Searches have different goals”

Limiting to Images, the original pages often have solid information and tables, graphs and charts

Limiting to Videos: Here one may find instruction on how to use the data or explaining what is out there

Books: Detailed discussion of statistical sources from these agencies

Scholar: A way to find out how the data is being used and if there is a methods section
in the found research articles, guidance on how to use the data in research.

TRIP: Evidence Based Research Sources

PogoFrog: A medical grab bag of sources.

This in a large nutshell is what the government agency section
of my statistics resources research guide can do for its users.

Some countries in Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Asia have reported Zika in the past and may
continue to occasionally report new cases. The risk to travelers in these endemic countries is
likely much lower than it is in countries with Zika epidemics (see Q&A: Zika Risk in Countries
with Endemic Zika). Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman causes severe birth defects,
pregnant women should consult with their health care provider and, if they decide to travel,
strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites. Travel notices have not been issued for these
destinations but would be considered if the number of cases rises to the level of an outbreak.
Check this page for the most up-to-date information before you make travel plans.

• To examine the coordinated federal response to the spread of the Zika virus both within
the United States (US) and internationally.
• To address confusion and misinformation surrounding measures taken at home and
abroad to prevent further transmission of Zika, especially
with the 2016 Summer Olympics taking place in Brazil.

BACKGROUND:

• The Zika virus is a disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• The World Health Organization estimates between 3 million to 4 million cases of the
Zika virus could appear in the Americas over a 12 month period.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of February 17, 2016 82
travel-associated Zika cases were reported in the US.
• President Obama requested $1.8 billion in emergency funding to prepare for and
respond to the spread of Zika.

WITNESSES AND TESTIMONIES

Name Title Organization Panel Document
Dr. Anne Schuchat Principal Deputy Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Document
Dr. Anthony Fauci Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health Document
Dr. John Armstrong Surgeon General and Secretary of Health State of Florida Document
Dr. Bill Moreau Managing Director for Sports Medicine
United States Olympic Committee Document

Summary:
The Zika virus is spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitos.
About 1 in 5 people who get infected with Zika virus will show symptoms.

In the past several weeks, increased cases of Zika virus disease (Zika) have
been reported in South and Central America, and to a limited degree in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a US territory, and the US Virgin Islands.
Zika is a little known illness spread by a certain type of mosquito.
Although most people who may be exposed to Zika virus will have only mild
or no symptoms, there has been evidence linking Zika virus to negative effects
on pregnancies in some cases, which has received widespread public attention.
We understand that this news is concerning, especially to pregnant women and
their families who may travel to or live in affected areas. Here are some answers
to common questions about Zika.

What is Zika?
Zika and Pregnancy
How to Protect Yourself from Zika
Zika in the Continental US?
What HHS is Doing

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash,
conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache.
These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
There is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and
Guillain-Barré syndrome. Links to other neurological complications are also
being investigated.

WHO is supporting countries to control Zika virus disease by taking actions outlined
in the “Zika Strategic Response Framework”:

Define and prioritize research into Zika virus disease by convening experts and partners.
Enhance surveillance of Zika virus and potential complications.
Strengthen capacity in risk communication to engage communities to better understand
risks associated with Zika virus.
Strengthen the capacity of laboratories to detect the virus.
Support health authorities to implement vector control strategies aimed at reducing
Aedes mosquito populations.
Prepare recommendations for the clinical care and follow-up of people with complications
related to Zika virus infection, in collaboration with experts and other health agencies.

U.S. Federal Agencies
U.S. Organizations
International Organizations
National Government (non-U.S.) Web Sites
Pregnancy and Zika Virus
Free Resources from Publishers for Medical Responders
Biomedical Journal Literature and Reports
Situation Reports
Genome, Sequences, and Virus Variation
Laboratory Detection and Diagnosis of Zika Virus
Clinical Trials
Research, Development and Funding
Surveillance and Control of Mosquito Vectors
Travel
Maps
Social Media
Multi-Language Resources
Health Resources for the Public

U.S. Federal Agencies

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Zika Virus
Also in Spanish.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report – Zika Reports
National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Zika and Birth Defects: The Evidence Mounts
NIH Director’s Blog – Zika Virus: An Emerging Health Threat
National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health
Zika Virus
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Zika Virus Response Updates from FDA
Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response,
Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What Head Start or Child Care Programs Need to Know About Zika Virus
History of Medicine Division, National Library of Medicine
Global Health Events Historical archive of Web documents on Ebola and Zika Virus.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Zika virus infection
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization
Zika Virus Infection
Also available in Spanish.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Zika virus and complications
Zika virus disease
WHO Zika App
iOS version
Android version
International Society for Infectious Diseases
ProMed-mail in English
ProMed-mail in Portuguese, focusing on Latin America
ProMed-mail in Spanish, focusing on Latin America

Letter From President Obama — Zika Virus
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Today, I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed FY 2016 emergency
supplemental appropriations request of approximately $1.9 billion to
respond to the Zika virus both domestically and internationally.
This funding would build upon ongoing preparedness efforts and provide
resources for the Departments of Health and Human Services and State,
and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Funding would support immediate response activities to prevent the
spread of, prepare for, and respond to Zika virus transmission; fortify
domestic public health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to Zika
virus transmission; speed research, development, and procurement of
vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics; provide emergency assistance to
States and the U.S. Territories to combat the virus; provide additional
Federal Medicaid funding in Puerto Rico and the other U.S. Territories
for health services for pregnant women at risk of infection or diagnosed
with Zika virus, and for children with microcephaly, and for other health
care costs; and enhance the ability of Zika-affected countries to better
combat mosquitoes, control transmission, and support affected populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 50 laboratory-confirmed
cases of the Zika virus among U.S. travelers from December 2015 –
February 5, 2016. In addition, the Pan American Health Organization reports
26 countries and territories in the Americas with local Zika transmission.
On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

My foremost priority is to protect the health and safety of Americans.
This request supports the necessary steps to fortify our domestic health system,
detect and respond to any potential Zika outbreaks at home, and to limit the
spread in other countries.

The request includes approximately $1.9 billion to respond to Zika virus
transmission across the United States and internationally. In addition, transfer
authority is requested to allow for sufficient response and flexibility across the
Federal Government to address changing circumstances and emerging needs
related to the Zika virus.

My Administration requests that the funding described above be designated as
emergency requirements pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended.

I urge the Congress to act expeditiously in considering this important request,
the details of which are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget.

Zika is a virus that is spread mostly by mosquitoes. A pregnant mother can pass
it to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. It can spread through
sexual contact. There have also been reports that the virus has spread through blood
transfusions. There have been outbreaks of Zika virus in the United States, Africa,
Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South
America.

Most people who get the virus do not get sick. One in five people do get symptoms,
which can include a fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Symptoms are
usually mild, and start 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

A blood test can tell whether you have the infection. There are no vaccines or medicines
to treat it. Drinking lots of fluids, resting, and taking acetaminophen might help.

Zika can cause microcephaly (a serious birth defect of the brain) and other problems in
babies whose mothers were infected while pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommends that pregnant women do not travel to areas where there is a Zika
virus outbreak. If you do decide to travel, first talk to your doctor. You should also be
careful to prevent mosquito bites:

Use insect repellent
Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and feet
Stay in places that have air conditioning or that use window and door screens

Published on Feb 25, 2016
The Zika virus has dominated headlines as new cases continue to emerge in North America.
This presentation will provide you with the need-to-know information concerning this deadly
epidemic so you can be prepared if and when presented with a case.

Since 2007 more than 62 countries and territories have reported transmission of Zika virus.
This number is likely to increase to include other countries with Aedes mosquitoes and other
potential competent vectors.

Increases in cases of congenital malformations such as microcephaly, and neurological
syndromes such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, have recently been associated
with Zika virus outbreaks. New research has strengthened these associations; however more
investigation is needed to establish causal relationships. Other potential causes are also being
investigated.

This website will be regularly updated with advice to national authorities and health care
practitioners on travel health issues related to Zika virus.

TOPICS COVERED

National authorities
Health care practitioners
Related links

Zika virus and potential complications
Second meeting of IHR Emergency Committee on Zika virus and observed increase
in neurological disorders and neonatal malformations, 8 March 2016
Publications and technical guidance
Zika virus case definition
Laboratory testing for Zika virus infection
Pregnancy management in the context of Zika virus:
Assessment of infants with microcephaly in the context of Zika virus
Breastfeeding in the context of Zika virus
Identification and management of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the context of Zika virus
Prevention of potential sexual transmission of Zika virus
Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during Zika virus outbreaks
Psychosocial support for pregnant women and for families in the context of Zika virus
Risk communication in the context of Zika virus

MEDICAL: DISEASES: ZIKA VIRUS :
CARE PROVIDERS :
CHILDREN :
GUIDELINES:
Clinical Guidance for Healthcare Providers
Caring for Infants and Children
FROM The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services